The meeting was a showcase of collaboration between the different societies and organisations on campus. After Rasethaba finished addressing the gathered students, representatives from the various political parties were called up to make a contribution.
The EFF president said that the “I am Jackson” campaign was started because of their concerns about student housing, and he also said that the EFF will help students even if they have a low average. The Sasco president said that it is a great thing that happened at the event with money being made available for study finance and help for students who are squatting, but she continued by saying that despite this, “the fight continues”. Sean Janse from Daso began by commending all the students for coming together to address these issues. He then stated that it should not stop here and called for everyone to hold the SRC accountable and encouraged students to come together and not “let the institution shut you down”, but instead fight for one another. An Afriforum representative continued in the same light, noting that it is the beginning of societies working together and that all the societies should work together to help students.
Many of the people in the crowd wanted to ask questions and the SRC allowed for two rounds of questions, but after being asked for answers, Rasethaba emphasised that the point of this meeting was to address issues and explained that many of the questions cannot be answered at the meeting but require consultation with the university first. Throughout the meeting Rasethaba said that this was the first of many such meetings which will be held to address student issues.
